Confessing One Another’s Sins

Years ago, Roy and I went through a process of discipleship with our friend, Paul, who would speak to us weekly, separately.

He’d ask, “So how are you, Anita?”

And I’d say, “Oh, Roy was really difficult. He said… He did… He…

And Paul would ask, “Anita, are you confessing Roy’s sins?”

And I would say, “But Roy… If only Roy…”

And Paul would say, “Anita, resign as the fourth member of the Trinity.”

* * *

Paul founded a couple of ministries, World Harvest Mission among them. WHM has this description of gossip, “Confessing Other People’s Sins.”

That’s what it is, isn’t it?

* * *

It’s a red light when I or you find myself preoccupied with someone else’s sins, when a church is preoccupied with analysing their pastor’s weaknesses.

What uncomfortable realisations about ourselves are we keeping at bay?

Our unerring analysis of our leader’s weaknesses, of other church members’ weaknesses, of our family members’ weaknesses gives us an easy, unearned sense of moral superiority.

BUT, they take the time which should be given to the painful but intensely creative work of repentance. Intensely creative, because in repentance, WE change, and our life changes in exciting ways.

* * *

We all have people or actions we are accustomed to passionately judge. Often by doing this we keep uncomfortable realisations about ourselves at bay. We project our discomfort with ourselves onto others, and by finding a worse sinner or sin, unconsciously hope to feel better about ourselves.

I think when I find myself doing this, I am going to Stop, Drop, Repent.

Because I daily fall short as a follower of Christ. There is more energy and creativity in asking “How am I going to repent, and ask God for grace to change–today?”

A far more creative thought than confessing one another’s sins.